Hi Manuscript Workers,

I’ve been getting requests for details on this year’s Book Proposal Accelerator, so I thought it would be a good time to share some in the newsletter and let you know the important dates to save if you are considering signing up for the program in 2023.

For those who don’t know, the Book Proposal Accelerator is a cohort-based program that I’ve been running since 2019. Scholarly writers show up with a book project and leave with a stellar proposal ready to submit to their target publishers. I hold weekly Q&As to answer all your questions about your proposal and getting your book published. You can also post your drafts as you go through the program curriculum to get feedback from me and make sure you’re on the right track. Nearly 500 scholars have come through the program to date.

I’ll say more about the Book Proposal Accelerator in a future newsletter, but if you’re interested in all details now, including what past participants have said about the program, you can find everything here.

For those who already know you want to join this year’s cohort, here are the dates you’ll need to know:

April 3rd
Pre-enrollment begins for those who need Manuscript Works to register as a vendor with their institution. There is usually paperwork involved and payment can take months to wind its way through university bureaucracies, so please plan to begin the process with me early so everything is completed in time for you to join the program. You can email me at laura@manuscriptworks.com to get started as of April 3rd.

May 1st
Priority enrollment begins for alums of my Book Proposal Shortcut program. I also offer priority enrollment for anyone who has previously participated in the Accelerator and wants to come back for another round. I already have your contact info, so you’ll receive an email from me with private check-out links prior to May 1st. You can also email me directly to express interest in getting the links — definitely email me if your contact info has changed and I need to update my records.

May 31st
General enrollment opens at 9am Pacific. You can bookmark this page (the checkout links will appear there once enrollment opens). Because the program includes direct feedback from me on every participant’s proposal draft, the Accelerator has a limited capacity. It always fills up, so if you definitely want in this year, plan to sign up on opening day.

July 1
The program begins and participants get access to all modules and a resource library including a suite of sample proposals, inquiry letters, and other materials. The Accelerator is set up to help you complete a proposal by mid-August or earlier, but there is an extended feedback period until November 30th, because I know that life happens and everyone has their own pace.

Questions about the Book Proposal Accelerator and whether it’s a good fit for you and your project? Email me any time!

I’ve also solidified my calendar for the rest of the spring between now and the start of the Accelerator, so I wanted to share some other upcoming events, in case you’re interested. I’ll give more details about all of these in future newsletters, but again, you can mark your calendar and/or go ahead and register now if you’re a planner:

April 3: Academic Editors Book Club meeting to discuss The Book Proposal Book. Hosted by the Editorial Freelancers Association and Editors Canada. Registration open to academic editors only (this is not a workshop for authors).

April 12: Free public webinar on How to Publish Your First Scholarly Book. (Experienced scholarly authors also welcome!)

April 24–28: Find the Perfect-Fit Publisher for Your Scholarly Book, a free 5-day challenge

May 24: Public online workshop on how to Write an Outstanding Book Proposal. This one isn’t free but there are multiple pricing options to fit every budget.

Last thing! The Book Proposal Book is currently 30% off the ebook format when you order through Princeton University Press. Use code PUP30 when you check out.

Three readers won a free ebook after commenting on my newsletter from a couple weeks ago. Congrats to Jenni, Sharon, and Jared! Sharon and Jared, if you’re reading this, please get in touch so I can get your copy to you.

I’ll be back next week with a newsletter on how you can utilize publicists to help you promote your book and your expertise to a broader audience. See you then!

The Manuscript Works Newsletter

Important dates for this year's Book Proposal…